Benefits Checklist 

1. You may file for social security benefits by contacting the Social Security Administration at (800) 772-1213.  Social Security benefits may include a one-time benefit of $255 to the surviving spouse or dependent children.  Check with your funeral director to determine what claims may have already been filed for you. Napa’s local Social Security Administration is at 1700 2nd Street, Suite 245; hours: 9 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Thursday. The office is located two blocks east of Jefferson on the 2nd floor of the Robert Louis Stevenson building. 

2. Veteran’s Administration claim forms can be completed at a Veteran’s Hospital, the funeral home or cemetery.  Contact your funeral director or the county Veterans Services Officer to determine exactly what benefits may have already been filed for. The VA Service Officer is located in Napa at 900 Coombs; (707-253-4558).

3. Change the deed on your property and remove the deceased’s name from that deed.  This is done at the county seat where the property is located.  You will need a certified copy of the Death Certificate for this.

4. Change the titles and registrations of your vehicles.  This is done at the Department of Motor Vehicles – 2550 Napa Valley Corporate Drive at 800-777-0133.  This includes cars, trucks, trailers, motor homes, mobile homes, etc.  You may use a photocopy of the Death Certificate for this.

5. Contact all life insurance companies with which the deceased had policies.  Request a claim form or ask for help from the local agent.  Send in the claim form, the policy and a certified copy of the Death Certificate.  If you need any help, your funeral director can assist you.

6. Traditionally, life insurance companies require only two documents to establish proof of a claim -- a “statement of claim” and the “certificate of death” (or attending physician’s statement).  Remember, though this is just a general statement, your insurance company may reserve the right to request further information or proof if deemed necessary.

7. When filling out the claim form, you should have the following information available:

   • The policy number(s) and face amounts.

   • The full name and address of the deceased.

   • His/Her occupation and last date they worked.

   • His/Her date and place of birth and the source of birth information.

   • Date, place, and cause of death.

   • Claimant’s name, age, address, and Social Security number.

8. There are several ways of settling insurance claims.  In most cases, you may opt for a lump sum benefit, or you may choose to have the money paid to you over a time period of your choice.  In the latter case, the bulk of the money remains with the insurance company and continues to gather interest.  In either case, check with your insurance agent, financial advisor or attorney to find out which method would be most beneficial for your particular situation.

9. Contact credit card companies to notify them of the death.  Some credit cards and charge accounts include a life insurance policy.  They may want a certified copy of the Death Certificate.  If the credit card is held jointly, find out what documentation is required to change cards into the survivor’s name.  Ask the credit bureau to assist you in transferring your spouse’s credit into your name.  They may also be able to assist you in determining any outstanding obligations of the deceased.

10. Change over all bank accounts and remove the deceased’s name from those accounts: You may need a copy of the Death Certificate for this.

11. Contact any financial institution where the deceased had a loan and inform them of the death.  They will be able to inform you if the loan was covered by credit life and what needs to be done to file the appropriate claim.  A Death Certificate is often required.

12. Contact all sources of retirement funds that the deceased was receiving and apply for any benefits that are due to you.  You may need a certified copy of the Death Certificate for this.

13. Change all the utilities from the deceased’s name.  It is a good idea to use only your first initial and last name when listing your name in the phone book.  This will help avert any unwanted or prank calls.  Many if not all of these accounts should be placed in a joint account with another family member to help in processing future estates.

14. Contact all health insurance companies to notify them of the death and stop coverage fees on the deceased.

NOTE:  If a company requests a certified copy of the Death Certificate, but is not providing you with a benefit, allow the company to pay for their own certified copy.  For example: a life insurance company will pay the claim for life insurance, so you need to provide them with a certified copy of the Death Certificate; a health insurance company, on the other hand, just needs to stop coverage.  Allow them to obtain their own certified copy of the Death Certificate if they require one.

15. Review your own insurance needs.  Often, these will change after the death of a family member or other loved one.  Good organization of your own insurance information can aid survivors at the time this information is needed.

16. If you have a large estate you may want to consult an attorney.  If you use an attorney you will have to pay for their services, however; the help you receive may be invaluable.

17. Keep extra copies of the Death Certificate to send with your income tax returns if you still file.

18. Gather all of the bills together and make sure you are aware of all the credit obligations of the deceased.  Many installment loans, service contracts, and credit card accounts are covered by credit life insurance, which pay off the account balance in the event of the death of the customer.